The National Core for Neuroethics at The University of British Columbia celebrated Brain Awareness Week (BAW) with a series of lectures and seminar events by Professor Scott Kim, Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Co-Director, Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, The University of Michigan.Earlier in the day, Professor Kim spoke on “Ethics of Placebo Surgery in Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trials” at the Vancouver General Hospital’s Neurology and Neurosciences Grand Rounds. He then joined colleagues for a Neuroethics Journal Club Luncheon Roundtable Discussion at the Core. Most importantly, as the guest for the Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Lecture, he discussed the “Ethics of Research With Brain-Impaired Adults Who Cannot Consent” at UBC’s Brain Research Centre. We were honoured to have him and thank the Dana Foundation and co-sponsors for their generous support in enabling us to host a Distinguished Neuroethics Lecture on the occasion of BAW.

EVENT PLANNING & PUBLICITY

Publicity methods used:

Calendar Listings (newspapers, radio, television)

Emails

Posters/Flyers

Website

Social Media

Other

Other publicity methods:

Local Newspaper

Which of these publicity methods was most successful?

It is difficult to say which method was most successful, although we generally have a very good response from our large event listserve. The free posting in Vancouver's Georgia Straight, and the direct announcement to Tapestry, an independent retirement residence near the campus, were the most effective in attracting members of the public.

BAW RESOURCES

Dana Alliance publications/resources distributed

Brain Connections

Staying Sharp: Memory and Aging

Other

Other Dana Alliance materials distributed:

Mind Boggler

BAW FEEDBACK & KEYS TO SUCCESS

How do you feel BAW participation benefited your organization and the local community?

The annual BAW campaign brings a strong focus to and awareness of the many different aspects of brain research and health concerns to the public. It supplies professionals and researchers the opportunity to showcase their latest findings and to interact with those who are impacted most. Further, the opportunity to highlight cutting edge research in Neuroethics has been vital to our visibility on the local, national and international scene.

Please share any suggestions that may help others plan their BAW events.

Pre-plan well in advance (9 months to one year), choose your Distinguished Lecturer/Topic/venue wisely, and coordinate a strong advertising campaign. Also, debrief and discuss with your team for improving further in preparation for next year's event.

Please provide any "quotable comments" on your BAW event(s).

Jean Blake, CEO, Alzheimer Society of British Columbia commented:
It was absolutely wonderful to be part of the evening! Dr. Scott Kim's talk was very informative and his delivery very understandable and interesting.